In an effort to reduce accidents and remove drunk and impaired drivers from Tennessee highways, the Tennessee Highway Patrol is stepping up their sobriety checkpoints during February.

Commissioner Bill Gibbons said, “It is the policy of the Department of Safety to utilize sobriety checkpoints as a deterrent to and in the detection of persons driving under the influence of intoxicants who pose a threat to the welfare of the cites of Tennessee.”

It is also the policy to utilize checkpoints in a safe, effective, uniform and lawful manner established by the department of Safety in the enforcement of the state’s DUI related laws under TCA Title 55, Chapter 10.

Sgt. Randy Huckeby of the Knoxville District said sobriety checkpoints are scheduled to be conducted on Feb. 3, Superbowl Sunday, on U.S. 129 at the Blount/Knox line from 11 p.m. to 1 a.m.

Sgt. Huckeby also said Blount County Sheriff’s Office, Alcoa Police and Maryville Police may participate in the operation.

The newly passed “No Refusal” law allows Tennessee law enforcement officials to seek search warrants for blood samples in cases involving suspected impaired drivers. The goal is to deter impaired driving and reduce fatal crashes on Tennessee roadways.

Driving Under the Influence (DUI) includes not only alcohol, but any intoxicant, narcotic drug, or other drug producing central nervous system effects — including prescription drugs.

By Wes Hall